Swivel bearing



June 13,A 1933. w. F. HERoLD um.. l 1,914,204 l swIvEL BEARING FiledAug. 17, 1931 5 sheets-sheet "1 wanen 'F Hsfw "1 EMIL E. Klv/Tref..

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June 13, 1933. w. F. HERoLD rz-rm.-l 1,914,204

M swIvEL BEARING Filed Aug.v 17, 1931 5 sheets-sheet s nur y I 54 Fjg-48 65 wpwwm ing' June 13, 1933. w. F. HEROLD Er Al.` 1,914,204

SWIVEL BEARING 4 Fviled Aug. 17, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 #www PatentedJune l13, 1933 e UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE WALTER Il?. HEROLD AND EMILE. KNITTEL, OF 'IBRIDGE'PORR CONNECTICUT, ASSIGNORS T0 TEE BASSICKCOMPANY, OF BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT, A CORPORATION OF conlanotrmwrlswTvEL :amiamo4 Application led. August 17, 1931. Serial No. 557,432. l

The present invention relates generally -to swivelr'bearings, and. moreparticularly to swivel thrust bearings, subjected to eccentric loadingas used, for example in casters,

5 cranes, etc., and has fortan object to provide an improvedball-bearing swivel con--j struction, the present application being acontinuation, in part, of our application for casters, Serial Number 379,122, filed July 18, 1929. In a caster,lfor example, the axis of thewheel is at one side of the vertical swiveling axis, so that the load isoffset, with the result that there is an upward thrust at one side ofthe caster horn and a downward thrust at the other side exerting atilting action and unequal load on the bearing. In 4a crane the weightis at one side of the swiveling axis. Swivel bearings for casters andother` structures have heretofore been con'- structed in which two ormore ball-races were employed to take care of thisy double thrust, butin those constructions in which `only a single ball-race is employed theVdouble thrust is not taken up by the balls, with the result thatswiveling is impaired and the parts are subject to great wear because offriction.v

It is proposed in the exemplary illustrat ed embodiments of the presentinvention to of balls arranged to travel in a two-level race, the ballsmoving from one level to thev direction at onev side and in theopposite` vdirection at the other side. l

In moving from one level to the other it is' desirable t0 relieve theballs of load pressure srkthat there will be no impairment of theirfreey movement, and it is an object of ithe invention to provide aconstruction in which the balls will not be under load at rangementwillbe maintained under all conditions of use, such as wear, variations inadjustments, etc.

It is a further object'to provide a swivel provide a swivel bearinghaving a single set the points :wherethey move from one level. to theother, and further in which this arbe in substantially proportionaterelationto the uneven eccentric load distributed at opposite sides ofthe swiveling axis, so that uneven wear resulting from this conditionwill be'compensated for.

. It is a further object to provide a construction in which `thetwo-level segmental race is so arranged that either one or both levels,as desired, take side thrusts in all directions, and the two-levelsegmental race being also adapted to take vertical thrust, the verticalthrust 'beingin one direction at one side and in the opposite directionat the other side.

In moving from one level to the Aother it is desirable to relieve theballs of load pressure so that-there will be no impairment of their freemovement, and to this end it is proposed in certain embodiments to passthem through passages in the horn top Where they will be entirely out ofcontact with an relatively moving bearing surfaces.

n the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a s ide elevation, partly broken away, showing Aa swivelbearing, according to one embodiment of the'invention, in

corporated, by-exa1nple, in a caster.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view thereof.

Fig. 8 is a plan view. Fig. 4 is a sectional vie w of the horn topemployed.

Fig. 5 is a plan view thereby.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of a modified form, in which roller-bearingsare employed, instead of the balls as employed in the embodiment shownin Figs. 1 t0 5.

l Fig, 7 is a sectional view Apartl in side elevatlon of a craneembodying t e invention.

Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional view, partly in side elevation showing amodification of' 'the invention, also incorporated, for example, 1n acaster.

Fig". 9 is a plan View. thereof, partly broken away, and in horizontalsection. Fig. 10 is a vertlcal sectional view of the upper end ofthecaster horn.

Fig.,11 is an enlarged diagrammatic seotional view with the center partbroken away, showing the arrangement of the Vzev an opening in balls andball race, and wherein the eleva tion between the upper and lower levelsis modiied with respect to the form shown in Figs. 8 to 10.

Fig. 12 is a similar enlarged diagrammatic sectional view of theswivel-bearing as illustrated in Figs. 8 to 10, and showing the eiect ofwear.

Fig. 13 is a similar enlarged diagrammatic sectional .view showing theedect of loose adjustment of the parts.

Fig. 111 is a enlarged diagrammatic sec tional view, showingthe relationof forces to the swivel bearing, as incorporated in a caster.

Fig. 15 is a vertical sectional view, partly inl side elevation of afurther moditication of the invention, also shown or example,incorporated in a caster.

Fig. 16 is a plan view thereof, partly broken away and in horizontalsection.

Fig. 17 is a vertical sectional view of the upper end of the casterhorn.

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken along the line 18-18 otFig. 16.

Fig. 19 is a vertical sectional view partly in side elevation of a stillfurther modified form of the invention shown, for example, incorporatedin a caster.

Fig. 29 is a planI view thereof, partly broken away and in horizontalsection.

Fig. 21 is a vertical sectional view ot the upper end of the casterhorn.

Similar reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout theseveral figures of the drawings.

Referring to the drawings the swivel bearing according to one embodimentot'- our invention is shown incorporated in a caster, which comprises ahorn 10, in which a wheel 11 is mounted. The horn Iis p-rovided in itsupper tlat portion 12 with a relatively large circular aperture 13,which`V is adapted, as will presently more fully appear, to deine theouter periphery of the ball-race. At the upper side of the horn topthere is provided a circular plate 111 having the center, asemi-circular portion 15 of which registers with half ot the aperture 13at the side ot the pivotal axis at which the axis of the wheel isdisposed, while the other semi-circular portion 16 is of substantiallysmaller radius and forms a projecting portion 17 on the plate extendinginwardly with respect to the aperture 13, the ends 18 and 19 of thisprojecting portion being beveled at the under side. A similar plate 2Ois provided at the under side of the horn top, but in reverse relationto the plate 14, and includes' an opening havin a semi-circular portion\21 registering Wit the half of the aperture/'13 at the opposed side otthe'pivotal axis from that at which the axis of the wheel is dis-Vposed, and a smaller diameter semi-circular' roiaaoe portion 22 at thewheel axis side, forming a projecting portion 23 on the plate, the ends24 and 25 of which are beveled at the upper side. rlhe plates 14 and 20are scoured to the horn top by rivets 2G, or they4 may be spot-welded,or otherwise suitably secured.

Inthe plan view, Figt 5, it will be seen that the `smaller diameterportions 1G and 22 definea circular opening, while the larger diameter'portions 15 and 21 dciine a circular race-way disposed at an upper levelabove the projecting portion 23 of the lower plate at one side, and nt alower level below the projecting portion 17 of tln` upper plato at theother side.

The attaching plate 27, which has holes 28 in its corners for attachmentto the article to be supported by the caster, is p-rovided at its underside with a circular stud 29 of slightly less diameter Athan thecircular opening provided by the portions 1G and 22, and`adapted to fittherein, a laterally extending flange 3() being provided at itsl upperend which extends above the projecting portion 17 of the upper plate,and is of a diameter substantially corresponding to that of the portions15 and 21. A plate 31 of substantially-the same diameter as the flange30 is provided at the under side ot the stud 29, and extends beneath theprojecting portion 23 of the lower plate. The stud 29 and plate 31 areassembled to the attaching plate 27 by a center bolt 32, or othersuitable means maybe employed.

A ballrace consisting of semi-circular portions at two levels is thusformed, the projecting portion 17 of the upper plate forming the upperside of the race portion of which the late 31 forms thev under side,while the projecting portion 23 of the lower plate forms the under sideof the race portion of which the flange 30 forms the upper side, thebeveled ends 18, 24. and 19, 25 constituting ramp-like portionsconnecting the two levels. Anti-friction balls 33 are provided in therace.

rlhe operation is as Jollowsz-Jlfhe offset ot the horn produces anupward thrust at the side at which the wheel axis is disposed, pressingthe balls at this side upwardly against the iange 30 through the upwardpressure of the projecting portion 23 of the lower plate, at the sametime producing a downwardthrust at the opposed side, pressingV the ballsat this side downwardly against the plate 31 through the downwardpressure of the projecting portion 17 of the upper plate. rThe entireload and thrust is thus supported at all times upon the balls.

level tothe other, and theirrotational direc- 1,914,204 i l l tions aresuch that they roll up at one side and down at the other.

In Fig. 6 we have illustrated a" modification in which roller bearingsl34 are employed, instead of balls, theconstruction and operation beingotherwise the same. In .7 we have shown la crane, embodying theinvention, and in whichv the crane arm al isl shown provided with aweight 35, the action of the weight onthe .bearing being similar to the-act1on of the load in the caster embodiment.

In Figs. 8 to 10 we have illustrated a modification of the invention,also shown, for example, as embodied ina caster, and which'comprises ahorn 40, which may' be in the form of a casting, dropforging or of othersuitable construction, vin which a wheel 41 is mounted upon an axle 42.The horn topV is provided with a circular opening 43 surroundedforwardly, that 1s, in the direction of the offset of the wheel axis, bya segmental flangeV 44 having an upwardly directed bearmg ysurface 45curved into the inner surface 46 of an upwardly extending rib 47 adaptedto confine the vballs against outward lateral movement.

lThe opening 43 is surrounded rearwardly caster swivels.

by a segmental. lflange 48 vertically offset above the flange 44,and'having a down*- Wardly directed bearing surface 49 curved into thecylindrical inner surface 50 of the rearV wall-portion 51 of the horntop. The

ends of the flanges 44 and 48 are beveled,l

as at 52 and 53, preferably at an angle of and are spaced to provide apassageway or ramp 54 connecting'the ball space at the upper side of theflange 44 with the ballspace at the under side of the flangel 48 andthrough which the balls are adapted f to move from one level to theotheras the The axis of the wheel axle 42 is in a vertical plane forwardly ofthe lcircumferential centerline of the ball-race.

The flange 44 is of 'greater extent circumferentially than the flange48, in substantial proportion to the greater load and l' wear on thisbearing portion, the radial centers of the passage ways 54 beingpreferably about 200 rearwardly of the transverse diamet'ric line ofthe. horn top parallel to the wheel axis.

The attaching plate 55 is provided with a central post 56 adapted to beengaged in the opening 43 of the horn top for relative rotationalmovement, and at the under side of the plate there is provided a*continuous cir-v cular bearing surface 57, vertically opposed tothebearing surface 45 of the flange 44 and curved into thefouter,cylindrical suri face: 58 of the post, which confines the balls againstinward lateral movement. It will be noted that the uppersurface 59 ofthe flange 48 clearsfthe surface; 57 and isy in.

clined, so that there will be no chance of contact, even after/excessive wear.

Upon thelower end of the post 56 is en-` gaged a circular bearing plate60 secured by a bolt or stud 61, preferably headed at its Ilower end andriveted over at its upper end The operation of this embodimentlis asfollows z-The offset of the horn produces an upward thrust at the sideat which the wheel axis is disposed, the load bein taken at one sidebetween the bearing vsurface 45 of the flange 44 and the opposed4bearing surface 57 of the` plate 55, and being4 taken at the other sidebetween tlffbearing surface k49 of the flange 48 and the bearing" plate60, the ball or balls at the central portion of the flange 44 acting asa fulcrum about-which the horn top tends to move Vupwardly at the frontorwheel axis end and downwardly at the rear.

During swiveling the balls 68 Imove through the passageways or ramps 54from one level to the other, the balls in the areas contiguous to saidramps being practically free of load, so that there is no impairment totheir free movement. It will be observed that in practice the bearingsurfaces or races 45 and 49 of the horn top are at a slight angle,l andthe arrangement of the ramps 54 rearwardly of the transverse diametricline y 'creasingtthe angularity of the horn top bearing surfaces thenumber of balls in conv tact with the flanges 44-48 take load when" thehorn top bearing surfaces are parallel to the continuous bearingsurfaces 57 and 60.

In Fig. 11 w'e have shown a modification in which the angularity isincreased and the smallernumber of balls put under load by decreasingthe distance between the central plane of the upper balls in contactwith the flange 44 and the central plane of lthe lower balls in contactwith the flange 48. lin this case the distance between the planes of thebearing surfaces and 49 is increased, bringing the upper and lowerballvlevels closer, and increasing the angularity of the bearingsurfaces 45 and 49 of the horn top. By comparison with the form shown inFig. 14 it will be observed that in this Fig. 14 form the planes of thebearing surfaces 45 and 49 are closer, the ball levels are increased `indistance7 and the angularity of the horn top decreased, putting moreballs under load.

dit

41n Fig. 12 we have shown the effect upon the ball-races afterconsiderable wear has taken place. ln this case the balls have worn bothinto the continuous races 57 and 60, as at G5 'and GG, and into thesegmental races 45 and 49 of the flanges 44 and 48, as at 67 and (38,the wear indicated at 65 and 67 being greater than at 66 and 68 due tothe greater load taken at these points. The Vgreater circumferentialextent of the flange 44 to the ange 48 is substantially proportionate tothis dillerence in load, so that even after very long usage the ballcontact relation between the segmental and continuous bearing portionsis not materially changed and the functioning and efficiencyl ot thecaster will remain practically constant. llt will be observed that thefree ball area is maintained constant and ixed during normal use andwear of the caster, because off theproportioning of the segmentalbearing surfaces to the actual duty of these surfaces, the free ballarea being practically at a neutral position, that is a position betweenthe upward movement caused by thewear on the forward or wheel axis side,which is relatively great, due to the greater load, andl the relativelysmaller downward movement on the side taking the lighter load.

Thus, if there was equal wear on both the forward and 'rearward segmentsthe tilting of the caster would be equal in front and rear, and'linesthrough the ballcenters oi the front and rear balls, showing diderentdegrees of tilt, would always intersect ata common point .on the centralaxis of .the caster. `Where the wear is greater at the forward side,however, these lines would not intersect on the central axis of thecaster, but at a point to the rear, or toward the bearingl surfacevcarrying the lighter load, and it ".s this point'which determines theextent of the forward and rearward bearing surfaces. ln Fig. 12 thedot-.and-dash line m connects the ball centers of the front and rearballs,'also indicated in dotanddash lines, before any wear-has takenplace, and the dotted line o connects the ball centers afterconsiderable wear. lt will be noted that the tilting planes indicated bythese lines intersect at a point substantially coincident with therearwardly offset/posinumana tions of the passage-ways or ramps 54, andY that this intersection point remains practically constant.

1n Fig. 13 we have shown the effect where there is a very loose assemblybetween the nhorntop and the continuous bearing surface portions. Hereagain the general relationship between the segmental and continnousbearing surfaces is not' materially changed and nothing takes place thatwould interfere with the eliiciency of the bearing in action. 1n thiscase the angularity of the horn top bearing surfaces is slightlyincreased.

r1`he conditions that are illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13 are those thatare met in general bearing practice, one being the eii'ect of wear, andthe other the effect of variations of manufacturing tolerances inadjustment, or mal-adjustment. ln either case the bearing will functionproperly. As pointed out in connection with the illustration in Fig. 11the design can be modified so as to regulatethe number of balls underload, and once this regulation is made the cooperate relationshipbetween the bearing parts will remain practically constant during thenornial` life of the bearing'. the relatively long segmental bearingsurtace 45 and the relatively short segmental bearing surface 49 notonly' `compensates for the load imposed on these surfaces, but maintainsthe free ball area between the load supporting points practicallyconstant irrespective of wear or mal-adjustment.

1n Fig. 14 we have illustrated the action of the forces applied to thecaster in both 'the static condition and when in motion. Consideringthat 'the load is taken at the wheel axis the major load isin a verticaldirection indicated by the arrow a and is reacted by two forces at thetop of horn, the first, indicated by the arrow b, being directed towardthe bearing surface 45 of the flange 44 inthe opposite direction to theforce line 1i and in parallel relation to the swiveling axis, and theother, indicated by the arrow a, being in the opposite direction to theforce line b and directed toward the segmental bearing surface 49 of theflange 48. These three forces are in equilibrium, the point indicated bythe arrow b being in reality a fulcrum point, and when the caster forexample, is stationary, are the only forces exerted.

iWhen the caster or other movable structure in which the bearing isembodied starts in motion a force is exerted at the axle in a horizontaldirection away from the swivel! ing axis, as indicated by the arrow d.This force causes the rotatable part to swivel into position andintroduces a force, indicated /by the arrow c, directed against thebearing surface 5() of the wall portion 51. The magnitude ot this forcee is in proportion The provision of to the magnitude of the horizontalforce d applied at the wheel axis and is resisted by the bearing surface58 of the part 56.

In Figs. to 18 We have shown a fur-v ing or of othersuitable-construction, in

which 'the' wheel 71 is mounted on an axle 72. The horn top is providedwith a circular opening 73, and in the upper surface in outwardly spacedconcentric relation to said opening there is provided a segmentalball-race groove 74 of substantially sem1- circular cross-section. Thisgroove 74 1s disposed in the forward portion of the top,

that is in the direction of the offset of the wheel axis and extendsrearwardly of the transverse diametric line of the horn top about 20 oneach side, where its ends terminate in circular passage-ways as ramps-at the under side of the top with the ends of a segmental ball-racegroove 76, also of substantially semi-circular cross-section. Thepassage-ways or ramps 75 are of such size that the balls will' movefreely through them from one level to the other as the caster swivels.The greater circumferential vextent of the groove 74 with respect to thegroove 76 is in substantial proportion to the greater load and wear onthe forward portlonof the horn, as will hereinafter more fully appear. IThe under surface of the horn top is projected beneathv the groove 74,providing a segmental rib 77, and the upper surface is projected aboutthe groove 76, providing a segmental rib 78. The axis of the wheel axle72 is in avvertical plane forwardly of the circumferential center lineof the ball-race.

The attaching plate 79 vis provided with a central post 8O adapted to beengaged inthe opening 73 ofthe horn top for relative rotationalmovement, and at the under side of the plate there is provided acontinuous circular ball-race groove 81, vertically opposed `to thesegmental groove 74 of the horn top.

It will be notedthat the rib 78 projects into the groove 81 withsuliicient clearance, so that it will not contact. l

Upon the lower end of the post 80. is engaged acircular bearing plate 82secured by a bolt or stud 83, preferably headed at its lower endland'rivetedover at its upper end within the central recess 84 of theplate 79. This plate 82 projects beyond the ypost beneath the ball-racegrooves of the horn top,

and is provided with a continuousy ball-race groove 85 verticallyopposed to the segmental groove 7 6,. and engages and .supports thoseballs of the single circumferential row of balls 86 disposed in thegroove 76. The plate 82 serves the double purpose of retaining the'partsin assembled relation and providing a continuous ball-race forcooperation with the lower level balls in engagement with the groove 76.One or more shim washers 87 may be arranged between the post 80 and theplate 82 for adjustment purposes.

The operation is as follows z--The offset of the horn produces an upwardthrust at the side at which the wheel axis is disposed, the load beingtaken at one side between the segmental ball-race bearing groove 74 ofthe horn top and thev opposed continuous ball-race bearing groove 81 ofthe plate 79,

and being taken at the other side between the segmental ball-racebearinv groove 76 of the horn top and the opposed continuous ball-racebearing groove of the plate 82, the ball or balls at the central portionof the groove 74 acting as a fulcrum about which the horn top tends tomove u wardly at the front or wheel axis end .and downwardly at therear, so that in practice the segmental ball race grooves of the horn toare at a slight angle. During swiveling t e balls 86 move through thepassage-ways or ramps 75 from one level to the other, the balls in theareas contiguous to said ramps bein free. of load because of the slightangle o the horn top, so that there is no impairment to their freemovement. In moving through the passage-ways or ramps 75 the l balls areentirely enclosed by the horn top and consequently are out of contactwith any v relatively" moving bearing surfaces. The deep setting of theballs in the grooves results in arc contact, sothat'there is reducedpenetration, less wear, l and side strains are effectively taken in alldirections.

' The vertical thrust being much greater unsurface 88 for engaging andsupporting the' lower level balls in engagement with the segmentalgroove 76. The ball-race groove 76 extends downwardly about the balls toa point contiguous to the plate 82. In this embodiment the side thrustand centralization is taken only by the upper level balls in groove 74and the continuous ball-race ggoove '81. I

We have illustrated and described pre- .ferred andsatisfactory-embodiment of the 112i; 'engagement with the segmentalball-race invention, but it will be obvious that changes may be madetherein within the spirit and scope thereof as defined in the appendedclaims.

Having' thus described our invention what we claim and desire to secureby Letters Patent is 1. ln a swivel assembly, an element comprisingopposed annular bearing surfaces, a continuous row of antifrictionrotary 'means disposed between said opposed annular'bearing surfaces, anelement'comprising diametrically opposed oppositely directed bearingsurfaces interposed between said annular bearing surfaces and adapted topress said antifriction means at two diametrieally opposite points inopposed predetermined directions against the respective annular bearingsurfaces, and whereby a load exerting resultant forces in saidpredetermined directions and in a plane through said diametricallyopposite points is taken tby said antifriction means at said points andin the direction of said forces.

2. ln a swivel assembly, a pair of rotatably connected swivel elements,annular race forming means between said elements, a continuous row ofanti-friction means engaging said race, and means adapted to press saidanti-friction p means in one direction at a point at one side of theswiveling axis along a line substantially parallel to said swivelingaxis and in an opposed direction at a diametrically opposed point atthe, other side of the swiveling axis.

. 3. ln a. swivel assembly, a pair of rotatably connected swivelelements, one of said elements comprising an annular race having bearingsurfaces opposed to each other in a. direction parallel to the swivelingaxis, a single series of antifriction rotary means disposed between saidbearing surfaces, said other element 'comprising means adapted to presssaid antifriction means in one direction against one of said bearingsurfaces at a point at one side of the swiveling axis, and in an opposeddirection and against the other of said bearing surfaces at adiametrically opposed point at the other side of the swive-ling axis.

- 4. ln a swivel assembly, a pair of rotatably connected swivelelements, one .of said elements comprising an annular race havingllaterally disposed lbearing surfaces opposed' to'each other, a singleseries of antifriction rotary means disposed between said bearingsurfaces, said other element comprising means adapted to press saidantifriction means in one direction against one of said bearing surfacesat a point at one side of the swiveling axis and in an opposed direc.

tion and against the other of said bearing surfaces at a diametricallyopposed point at the other side of the swiveling axis.

aeraaoe f5. lin a swivel assembly, va pair of rotatably connected swivelelements, one of said elements comprising a continuous annular racehaving opposed continuous annular bearing surfaces, a series ofantifrict-ion rotary means disposed between and in rolling contact withsaid bearing surfaces, said 'other element comprising non-continuousbearing means adapted to press said antifriction means in one directionagainst one of said bearing surfaces at a point at one side of theswiveling axis, and against the other of said bearing surfaces at apoint at the other side of the swiveling axis.

6. A. swivel thrust bearing assembly capable of sustaining relativelygreat eccentric loads comprising an element having a pair of oppositelyfacing annular bearing surfaces lying in planes perpendicular to theswiveling axis, a/second element rotatable with respect to said firstelement, said secondfelement having a pair of bearing surfaces arcuatein lshape and disposed upon opposite sides of the swiveling axis, saidlast named bearing surfaces facing in opposite directions and lying inspaced planes substantially perpendicular to the swiveliug axis., androlling anti-friction `means disposed between the bearing surfaces onsaid second element and the opposed portions of the bearing surfaces onsaid first element.

7. A swivel bearing adapted to support an eccentric load comprising apair of relatively rotatable members and a single set of rollinganti-friction elements operably -interposed between said members, anumber of said elements transmitting forces from one member to the otherin lines substantially parallel to the swiveling axis, a portion of saidnumber transmitting said forces in one direction and the others of saidnumber transmitting the forces in the opposite direction.

8. A. swivel bearing adapted to support an eccentric load comprising apair of relatively rotatable members having cooperating surfaces forminga ball race, said ball race having diametrically opposite portionsthereof in different planes perpendicular to the axis of the race, acontinuous row of ball bearings positioned within said race, and meansoperable upon relative rotation of said members successively to shiftsaid ball bearings from onerof said portions of said race tofthe other.

9. An anti-friction bearing including a pair of relatively rotatablemembers having a raceway therebetween, said raceway having portionsthereof lying in adjacent parallel planes and at opposite sides of theaxis of rotation, a series of anti-friction elements in said raceway,and means for guidi-Iig said elements and transmittingp-ressure from oneof said members to the other through said elements in oppositedirections upon the op- Bti posite sides of the axis of rotation ofsaidmembers.

10. In a swivel bearing, the combination of a pair of relativelyrotatable members,

one of said members having a ball bearing a bearing surface below saidelements and.

bearing upwardly thereagainst and means whereby said elements areshiftable from one of said bearing surfaces to the other as said membersare relatively rotated.

11. In an anti-friction bearing, a pair of relatively rotatable members,a continuous row of rolling anti-friction elements therebetween, `andone of said members including a pail1 of bearing forming means, one ofsaid means being arranged to pass beneath said elements and the otherofi said means being arranged to pass over said elements; upon relativerotation of said members', said pair of bearing forming meansrespectively extending radially beneathy and beyond and above and beyondthe vertical axes of said elements. 4

12. An anti-friction bearing including a substantiallycircular series ofanti-friction elements,` a portion of said elements lying in one planeand another portion lying in a separate and parallel pane, and means forguiding and applying pressure to said -elements in both of said planes.

13. An anti-friction bearing including a.

series of movable members, means for guiding said melnbers in a firstplane, means for guiding said members in a second plane, means fortransferring said members from one plane to the other, and means forapplying pressure to said members in both of said planes. v

14. In ananti-frictionv bearing, a series of rotatable members, severalof said mem'-v `bers lying in one plane whlle others of said members liein a' different plane, means for guiding said members in said planes andfor shifting said members from one plane to the other, and means forapplying loads only to members lying in said one plane and to memberslying in said different plane.

15. In a swivel assembly, a pair of rotatably `connected swivelelements, a continuous row of rotatable members disposed between saidelements and surrounding the swiveling axis of said members, a number ofsaid members lying in a first plane and a less r number lying 'in adifferent plane, an means for guiding said members in said V.planeswandfor shiftingsaid members yfrom one plane to the other.

16. In a swivel assembly, a pair of irotatably connected swivelelements, race forming means between said elements, a series ofrotatable members engaging said race forming means, and means adapted toimpose a load on a number of saidl members in one direction at one sideof the swiveling axis and on a lesser number in another direction at theother side of the swiveling axis. y

17. In a swivel assembly, a pair of rotatably connected swivel elements,race forming means between said elements, a

series of rotatable members engaging said race forming means, and meansadapted to impose a load on a number ofsaid members in one directionatone side of the swiveling axis and on others in another direction atthe other. side of the swiveling axis, said last named means being ofdifferent extent and substantially proportioned to the difierential loadimposed at opposite sides of the swiveling axis. l

18. I n a swivel assembly, a pair of rotatably v connected, swivelelements, circular bearing means associated with one of said elements,rotatable members engaging said bearing means, and means associated withthe other element comprising a segmental portion in excess of 180adaptedl to press said rotatable members in one direction with' respectto said bearing means at one side of -the swiveling axis, and asegmental portion less than 180 disposed in axially offset re'- lationto said first segmental portion and adapted to press said rotatablemembers in" another direction with respect to said bearing means at theother side of `the `swiveling axis.

,19.- In a swivel assembly, a pair ofrotatably connected swivelelements, circular bearing means associated with one .of said elementscomprisingl vertically opposed con-V tinuous circumferential bearingsurfaces, rotatable members engaging said bearing surfaces, and meansassociated' with the other element comprising a segmental portion inexcess of 180 adapted to press said rotatable members in one directionwith respect to one of said continuous bearing surfaces at oneside ofthe swiveli'ng axis, and a segmental portion less than 180 disposed inaxiallyoffset relation to said first segmental portion and adapted topress said rotatable means in another direction .with respectto theother of said continuous bear' ing surfaces at the other side of theswiveling axis. in

20. In a swivel assembly, a pairl of rotatably connected swivelelements, rotatable members disposed between said elements,I a number ofsaid members lying in a first plane and others. lying in adifferentplane, and means Ifor guiding said members in said planes and forshifting said' members from one plane to the other, said 'guiding means'radial movement, and means associated with the other element adapted topress a number o' said members in one direction with respect to saidbearing means at one side of the swiveling axis and others in anotherdirection at the other side of the swiveling axis.

22. In a swivel assembly, a pair of. r0- tatably connected swivelelements, circular bearing means associated with one of said elementsand includingl a. pair otl opposed continuous circumferentialrace-grooves having side walls, a continuous row oi ro-k tatable membersengagingl said bearing means and adapted to engage said racegrooveswhereby they are confined against both inward and outwardradial.movement, and means associated with the other element adapted topress al number of said members in one. direi-tion with respect t-o saidbearing means at one side ot the swiveling axis and others in anotherdirection at the other side ot the swiveling axis.

23. In a swivel assembly, arpa-ir of rotatably connected swivelelements, circular bearing means associated with one o'fA said elements,a continuons row of rotatable members engaging said bearing means, and

vmeans associated with `the other element adapted to press a number ofsaid `members in one direction with respect' to said bearing means atone Iside of the swiveling axis and others in another direction at theother side of the swiveling axis and .includingarace-groove along whichsaid members have rolling engagement and adapted to conine said members,inv engagement therewith against both inward and outward radialmovement.

24. In a swivel assembly, a pair of rotatably connected swivel elements,circular bearing means associated ywith oneof said eleniits andincluding a continuous circumferential race-groove having side walls, acontinuous row of rotatable members engagingsaid bearing means, andadapted to engage said race-groove whereby they are confined againstboth inward and outward radial movement, and means associated with theother element adapted to press a, number of said membersin one directionwith respect to said bearing means at one. side of the swiveling axisand others in another direction at the other side ofv the swivelingaxis, and including a race-groove opposed to said first mentionediace-groove and along rwhich said members have rolling engagement.

25. In a swivel assembly, a pairof rotatably connected swivel elements,circular bearing means associated with one of said elements, acontinuous row of rotatable members engaging said bearing means andnneans associated with the other element adapted to press a number ofsaid members in one 'direction with respect to said bearing means at oneside of the swiveling axis and others in another direction at the otherside of the swiveling axis and including a pair of segmentalrace-grooves, one facing in one direction and the other facing in theopposite direction, and each adapted to confine said members inengagement therewith against both inward and outward radial movement.

26. In a swivel assembly, a pair oit rotatably 'connected swivelelements, circular' bearing means associated with one of said elementsand including a continuous circuinterential race-groove having sidewalls, a continuous row of rotatable members eugaging said bearingmeans, and adapted to engage said race-groove whereby they are coninedagainst both inward and-outward radial movement, and means associatedwith the other element adapted to press a number of said members in onedirection with iespect to said bearing means at one side of theswiveling axis and others in another direction at the other side of theswiveling axis, and including a segmental race-groove, opposed to saidfirst mentioned race-groove, and along which said members have rollingengagement. y

27. ln a swivel assembly, a pair of rotatably connected swivel elements,circular bearing means associated with one of said elements andincluding a continuous circumferential race-groove having side walls,acontinuous row of rotatable members engaging said bearing means, and`adapted to engage said race-groove wherebytheyare confined against bothinward and outward radial movement, and means associated with the otherelement adapted to press a number of said members in one direction withrespect to said bearing means at one side of the swiveling axis andothers in another direction at vthe other .side of the swiveling axis,and including a segmentalv race-groove in excess of 180 opposed to, saidiirst mentioned race-groove, and along which said members have rollingengagement.

28. In a swivel assembly, a pair of relatively rotatable members, acontinuous row of rolling anti-friction elements therebetween, and oneof said members including a pair of bearing forming means, one of saidmeans being arranged to pass beneath said elements and the other-'ofsaid means being arranged to pass over said elements, and said memberalso including passageways through which said anti-friction elementspass from one of said bearing forming meansv to the other, saidpassageways being formed entirely within the body of said member.

29. In a swivel assembly, a pair of rotatably connected' swivelelements, bearing means disposed between said elements, said Ameanslying partially at the obverse side side of said element and at theopposite side ofj the swiveling axis, and means for shifting v'saidbearing means from one of said sides to the other.

31. In a swivel assembly, a pair. of rotatably connected swivelelements, bearing means disposed between said elements, said means lyinpartially at the obverse side of one of ysai elements and adapted totake load in one direction and partially at the reverse side of saidelement andadapted to take load in another direction, and means forguiding said bearing means at said obverse side and at saidreverse sideof said element and from one of said sides to the other.

32. In a swivel assembly, a pair of rotatably connected swivel elements,bearing means disposedbetween said elements, said means lying partiallyat the obverse side of one of said elements and partially at the reverseside of said element, and means for guiding said bearing 'means at saidobverse side and at said reverse side of said element and from one ofsaid sides to the other, said guiding means adapted to impose 'sidethrust transverse to the swiveling axis on said bearing means. 33. In aswivel assembly, a pair of4 rotat ably connected swivel elements,circular race-forming means connected to one of i said elements,antifriction means engaging said race, and'rneans connected to saidother element. comprising a segmental portion adapted to press saidantifriction means 'in one direction with respect to said race atvone.side,of the swiveling axis, and a segmental portion adapted topress said antifriction means in another direction respect to saidraoeat thel other side of the swiveling axis.

34. In a swivel assembly, a pair of'rotatably connected swivelelements,` circular race-forming means connected to one of said.elements, antifriction means engaging said race, and means connected tosaid otherl` eleT ment comprising a segmental portion adapted to presssaid antifrlctlon means 1n one direction with respect to sa1d race atone Vside of the swiveling axis, and a segmental portion disposed 1n'axially 'oiset and diametrically opposed relation to said firstsegmental portion and' adaptedv to press said" antifriction means inanother direction with respect to said race at the other side of theswiveling. axis.

35. In a swivel assembly a pair ofrotatably connected swivel. elements,circular race-forming means connected to one of said elements includinga pair of spaced and opposed circular bearing portions, antifrictionmeans engaging said race, and means connected to said other elementcomprisingl a segmental portion disposed in said race and adapted topress said balls against one of said bearing portions at one side 4oithe swiveling axis, and a segmental portion engaged in said racedisposed inaxially ofset and diametrically opposed relation to saidfirst segmental portion and adapted to press said antifriction meansagainst said other bearing portion at Vthe other side of the swivelingaxis.

36. In a swivel assembly, a pair of rotatably connected swivel elements,circular race-forming means connected to` one of said elements includinga pair of spaced 'and opposed circular bearing portions, antifrictionmeans engaging sald race, and

means connected to said other element com prising a segmental portionvdisposed in said] `race and adapted to press said l balls i .against oneof said bearing portions at one side of the swiveling axis,l and asegmental portion engaged in said race disposed in axially offsetanddiametrically opposed relation to said first segmental portion andadapted to press said antifriction means against said-otherbearing'portion at the othervside of the swiveling axis,.said seg-vmental portions each having opposed ramp portions at their ends vwherebylthe antifriction means move from onel to the other.'y

Signed at Bridgeport, county ofV Fairfield, and State of Connecticut,this 31stday 'of WALTER F. HEROLD.

' EMIL E. KNITTEL.

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